SLUDGE-CHANNEL ENGINEERING.

Kumara Times, Issue 2332, 18 February 1884, Page 2

SLUDGE-CHANNEL ENGINEERING.

[to the editor.] Sir —Sluicing into the sludge-chan-nel has arrived at the climax of absurdity, This morning it was blocked no less than nine times during four hours. It seems that the more stone blocks that are put in, the worse it works. I believe there are something like 14 chains done with stone at present. What will it be when 70 or 80 chains of it are done with stone ? It will scarce run clean water. When wood blocks were used eight or even nine parties could sluice into the channel comparatively fiee from stoppages. When the stones were commenced, the number was immediately reduced to seven. As more stones were laid, the number was further reduced to six. Now six are found to be too many. Id is a mystery U> me 1. ■. the miners will

get a living here if stone-blocking be continued. We shall have winter here presently; the channel will then work only nine hours a day instead of twelve, as at present, which means a further reduction in the number of parties who can use the channel. To temedy this as far as possible I would suggest that the claimholders refuse to allow the atone dressers to take any more stone to be used in the channel off their claims. If this course were adopted and pursued I am inclined to think it would effectually put a stop to stone-blocking, as it would not pay to go further afield for them.—Yours, Sluicer, Dillman’s, February 18, 1884.